newjerseynewsroom.com

BY LARRY RAGONESE

Have you been longing to camp, hike, hunt, or fish but just didn't quite know how to get started? Or are you looking for ways to hone your skills to get even more out of your outdoors experiences?

Then don't just sit in front of the TV wishing you were outdoors. Instead, get out and learn how to make the most of New Jersey's hundreds of thousands of acres of parks, forests and wildlife areas during the DEP's Second Annual WILD Outdoor Expo.

This year's Expo will be held on Saturday and Sunday at the Colliers Mill Wildlife Management Area in Jackson (Ocean County) from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., rain or shine.

State Department of Environmental Protection staff and a host of experts will provide plenty of fascinating and challenging hands-on activities and demonstrations geared toward people of all ages and skill levels, including programs on camping, hiking, fishing, archery, kayaking, animal tracking, shooting, rock climbing, wildlife watching, and much more.

Numerous environmental and conservation exhibits, demonstrations and seminars are planned throughout the weekend. An outdoors supply flea market will help get you started on your adventures. Food will be available from vendors, or pack your own food if you prefer.